CPD IDs Suspect Who Allegedly Shot At Officers

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Authorities have identified a suspect who allegedly shot at officers, barricaded himself inside a home and turned his gun on himself Monday.

NBC 4 has been with this story since Monday afternoon and reported with the latest information Tuesday.

The incident began as a possible DUI stop on Interstate 71 at about 3:45 p.m., authorities said.

The driver, who later was identified as 37-year-old Jason Farnsworth, started to pull over but then fled officers, crashing into vehicles along the way, according to reports.

Police said Farnsworth stopped the vehicle in the area of 17th Avenue and Dora Drive.

Officers approached the vehicle. Farnsworth bailed and began running and firing shots from a high-powered rifle, authorities said.

A 28-year-old officer was shot in the face in the area of Dora Drive. CPD later identified the officer as Joshua Wagner.

The suspect ran about two blocks and entered a residence at 1919 North 4th Street, ran to the top floor and started shooting at officers, authorities said.

“This individual entered that residence, began firing from inside. Both north and south. Shooting at officers or people, anybody moving in the area. Very dangerous situation,” CPD Sgt. Rich Weiner said.

SWAT moved in while the suspect continued to fire rounds.

SWAT evacuated officers who were “pinned down” by the suspect’s gunfire.

The suspect’s last shot was fired at about 4:30 p.m.

SWAT officers found Farnsworth dead in the residence at about 6:45 p.m. He committed suicide apparently with his own firearm.

Wagner, who was shot in the cheek, was transported to OSU Medical Center in stable condition. He was treated and released Monday night. Wagner is assigned to 18 Precinct B Company and has been with the division for six years.

Initial reports indicated another officer was shot and injured during the gunfire. CPD Sgt. Rich Weiner confirmed only one officer was injured during the incident.

Officer Wesley Hurley was shot, but the bullet struck his bulletproof vest. Hurley is assigned to 4 Precinct B Company and has been with the division for one year.

He was not injured, but he was transported OSU Medical Center and also was released Monday night.

CPD said other officers involved in the shootings were Bryan Mason, Donald Worthington and Bryan Brumfield. Mason is assigned to 18 Precinct B Company and has been with the division for two years. Worthington is assigned to 11 Precinct B Company and has been with the division for three years. Brumfield is assigned to 5 Precinct B and has been with the division for two years.

Police treated it as a hostage situation and asked everyone avoid the area during the incident.

As a safety precaution, police instructed area residents to stay inside and go to a basement if possible until officers released them.

The area is heavily populated, and some residents were caught in the middle of the incident.

NBC 4 talked two OSU students who said the events were like something they’ve seen on TV.

“We were stuck in the middle of the parking lot, in my buddy’s CRV,” Mike Cass said.

“Then some guys over there told us to get down. They rolled up in the SWAT van, blocking the house. They told us to come out, stay low and to get in the back,” Eric Davis said.

Kyle Weldon lives next door to the house on North 4th Street where the situation ended.

“The guy started shooting out of his front window. He started to shoot back to the officers. The cops were posted on my porch, aiming towards the building,” Weldon said.

Weldon’s house became something of a mini police command post.

He said he was in his basement for about 45 minutes while officers were going through his home. He said police came downstairs and escorted him out of his home.

“I was like, ‘Sounds good. Get out of this hot zone now,’ ” Weldon said.

Police said Farnsworth was a gun collector who might have had mental issues.

INTERACTIVE LOCATION MAP

View Suspect Shoots At Officers; SWAT Finds Him Dead In Home in a larger map

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video